Machine for stapling, folding, and stacking pamphlets.



N0. 678,56l. Patented July l6, I90L. F. HART. MACHINE FOB STAPLING, FOLDING, AND STACKING PANIPHLET S.

(Application filed May 21, 189B.)

4 Sheets-Sheat I.

(No Model.)

Tu: mmms warms co. worn-Luau, wnsnmcvcm o. c

rim 678,561. Patented July l6, l90l.

- r. HART.

MACHINE FUR STAPLING, FOLDING, AND STACKING PAMPHLETSJ (Application filed May 21, 1898.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 2-.

m: "cams runs :04 Pnorwjmo, wumnwon. D. c,

, No. 678,56l. Patented July 16, l90l.

F. HART. I MAQHINE FUR STAPLING, FOLDING, AND STACKING PAMPHLETS.

(Application filed m 21, was.

4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

m: unmns PETERS co, mmo'umm wasmmwm n c Nu. 678,56l. Patent ed luly l6, IBOI. F. HART.

MACHINE FUR STAPLING, FOLDING, AND STACKING PAMPHLETS.

(Application filed. May 21, 1898.)

4 Sheats$heet 4.

(No Model.)

mu nonms warns co. Puo'roumo WAsnlNlilON. o. c

ITED STATES PATENT mes.

FREDERICK HART, oF POUGIIKEEPSIE, NEW YORK.

MACHBNE FOR STAPLING; Foto'mc; AND STACKING PAMPHILETS.

SPEOIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 678,561, dated July s, 1 901.

Application filed May 21, 1898.

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, FREDERICK HART, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing at Poughkeepsie, in the county of Dutchess and State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Machines for Stitching, Folding, and Stacking Blanks or Pamphlets, of which the following is a specification.

In the production of stapled or stitched folded blanks or pamphlets the latter are first presented in an open or unfolded condition to a stapling or stitching machine, which fas-, tens the leaves of the blanks or pamphlets together along the fold or bend byanumber of wire staples or stitches,after which the blanks or pamphlets are folded or closed and stacked in a pile.

The object of this invention is to provide a simple and efficient machine whereby these operations are performed expeditiously and the blanks or pamphlets are stacked in batches of a definite number.

In the accompanying drawings, consisting of four sheets, Figure 1 isa front elevation of my improved machine for feeding, folding, and stacking blanks or pamphlets. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the feeding mechanism, taken in line 2 2, Fig. 9. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section of the delivery-platform in line 3 3, Fig. 9. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the driving mechanism, taken in line 4: 4:, Fig. 9. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the machine. Fig.

7 6 is a fragmentary sectional elevation, on an enlarged scale, of the driving mechanism in line 6 6, Fig. 12. Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse section in line 7 7, Fig. 6. Fig.8 is an elevation of the machine viewed from the delivery end. Fig. 9 is a vertical transverse section in line 9 9, Fig. 1., looking toward the receiving end of the machine. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section in line 10 10, Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a vertical section in line 11 11, Fig. 8. Figs. 12 and 13 are vertical transverse sec tions in line 12 12 and 13 13, Fig. 1, respectively. Fig. 14 is a fragmentary transverse section, on an enlarged scale, of the pamphlet-stackin g mechanism, taken in line 14 14, Fig. 15 is a longitudinal section in Fig. 16 is a diagram illus- Fig. 1. line 15 15, Fig. 14.

Serial No. 681,277. (No model.)

trating the manner of closing the pamphlets. Fig. 17 represents a detached top plan View of the folding-guide. Fig. 18is a fragmentary vertical section of the feed chute and platform in line 18 18, Fig. 1.

Like letters of reference refer to like parts in the several figures.

A represents a wire stitching or stapling machine of any suitable and well-known construction whereby the loose sheets of pamphlets or blanks are bound or secured together by placing a number of wire stitches orstaples along the back or fold of the pamphlets. The stitching-machine is'provided with the usual head a, containing the staple forming and driving mechanism and the clencher-boX a, Fig. 13, arranged below the head and containing the devices whereby the legs of the staple are turned over or clenched on the under or inner side of the pamphlet.

The main frame supporting the pamphlet feeding, folding, and stacking mechanisms consists, essentially, of two standardsB B, arranged on the receiving and delivery sides, respectively, of the stitching-machine, an upper longitudinal bar 1), connecting the upper portions of these standards, two lower longitudinal bars or rods I) h connecting the lower portions of these standards, a standard B arranged near the delivery end of the stacking mechanism and in rear of the stand ard B and at right angles thereto, and a rod or bar 11 connecting the lower portion of the standard B with the standard B 0 represents the usual saddle or inverted- V-shaped table upon which the partly-folded pamphlets are placed by the operator, so as to straddle the saddle and be fed with the fold underneath and past the stapling mechanism. This table has its front and rear sides 0 0 preferably arranged at an angle of about forty-five degrees and inclined equally on opposite sides of its center ridge. The front side 0 of the table extends past the clencher-box and is supported on said box and on an inclined arm 6 of the front standard B, and the rear side 0 extends to the clencher-box and is connected alongits upper longitudinal edge to the upper longitudinal edge of the front side, Fig. 5. The upper side of the clencher-box is beveled at the,

IOO

same angle as the stapling-table and is so arranged as to form a continuation of the table, Fig. 13.

The feeding mechanism is shown most clearly in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 9, and 13 and is constructed as follows:

D represents an endless traveling tape or band whereby the pamphlets are carried along the table and past the stapling and folding mechanisms. This tape passes with its receiving portion around a receiving-roller fl, arranged at the receiving end of the table, thence forwardly over the front side of the table adjacent to the longitudinal ridge thereof, thence downwardly around a delivery-roller d, arranged at the delivery end of the front side, thence backwardly along the under side of the table and around a guideroller 01 and thence backwardly to the place of beginning. The receiving-roller cl projects through an opening d in the front side of the table and is mounted on the upper end of an inclined shaft d. The latter is journaled transversely below the front side in bearings d arranged on the arm b and its axis is parallel with the front side of the table, so that the carrying portion of the tape can lie flat on the front side of the table. The delivery-roller d and the guide-roller d are journaled obliquely at the same angle as the receiving-roller in brackets secured to the adjacent portions of the front side of the table.

E represents an upper presser-tape whereby the pamphlet is pressed against the carrying-tape D for compelling the pamphlet to move therewith. The presser-tape passes, with its receiving and delivery portions, around the front and rear presser-rollers e e, and its intermediate carrying portion is pressed against the lower tape by intermediate presser-rollers 6 The delivery presserroller and the intermediate presser-rollers are each supported by an arm 6 which is pivoted to the upper longitudinal bar I), connecting the standards B B. The upper reoeivingroller 6 has an intermittent movement toward and from the lower receiving-roller, so that the two rollers are separated to permit of introducing a pamphlet between the same and then closed upon said pamphlet for propelling the same forward. The upper and lower tapes run at the same speed, but have a Variable movement, so that the pamphlets are carried by the tapes quickly from one stitch to the next following stitch while the stapling mechanism is disengaged from the pamphlet, but are moved slowly while this stapling mechanism engages with the pamphlet. This enables the stapling mechanism to stop the movement of the pamphlet during the short period of time during which it engages with the pamphlet, while the tapes continue to move slowly independent of the pamphlet.

The mechanism whereby the receiving-rollers are alternately separated to receive the blank or pamphlet and then closed to feed the same forward is constructed as follows:

F represents an inclined shaft arranged transversely above the front side of the table and carrying the upper receiving-roller at its upper end. This shaft is journaled in an os-' cillating framef, which is pivoted atits lower end by a bolt f to the adjacent portion of the front standard B, so as to swing in a transverse vertical plane. The upper end of the oscillating frame is controlled by a guide f secured to the upper portion of the same standard. The shafts of the upper and lower receiving-rollers are provided, respectively, with intermeshing gear-wheels f f of equal size,- Whereby the upper and lower tapes are compelled to move at the same speed, there by preventing displacement of pamphlets. These gear-wheels are arranged closely to the pivotf of the upper shaft, so that the latter can be raised and lowered for moving its roller out of and into engagement with the roller of the lower shaft without disengaging the gear-wheels.

G represents alongitudinal horizontal rock shaft which is journaled in bearings on the lower rear portions of the standards B B and which is provided at its front end with an upright rock-arm g and at its rear end with a depending rock-arm g.

g is an inclined guide-rod which is arranged below the rear side of the table and which is pivoted at its lower end to the front rock-arm g and guided with its upper end in an opening 9 formed in the upper end of the supporting-arm b", as shown in Fig. 2.

g is an inclined shifting rod arranged above the rear side of the table and pivoted at its upper end to the free end of the oscillating frame f, while its lower portion passes loosely through a shifting arm g secured to the guiderod 9 The shifting rod is provided with a shoulder or collar 9 which is yieldingly engaged with the front side of the shifting arm by a spring g bearing with one end against the rear side of the shifting arm and with its other end against an adjusting screw-nut g on the shifting rod. Upon turning the rockshaft so that its upper arm moves forward the shifting arm engages with the shoulder of the shifting rod and raises the upper receiving-roller from the lower receiving-roller. Upon moving the rock-shaft in the opposite direction the upper arm of this shaft is moved backwardly and the upper receiving-roller is moved toward the lower receiving-roller. The rock-shaft is turned for separating the receiving-rollers by a spring g connecting the shifting arm g with the supporting-arm b of the frame.

h is a rotary cam which engages with the depending arm g of the rock-shaft and turns the latter for moving the upper receivingroller toward the lower receiving-roller. This cam is adjustably connected with a drivingwheel H, so that the time at which the receiving-rollers close upon the pamphlet can be regulated by turning the cam concentrically on the driving-wheel. This adjustable connection between the cam and driving-wheel consists of an outer clamping-ring 72,, Fig. 7, carrying the cam 7L and bearing against the outer side of an internal annular flange k on the rim of the driving-wheel, an inner clamping-ring 71. hearing against the inner side of said flange and connected with the outer clamping-ring, and a clamping-bolt h whereby the clamping-rings are drawn against opposite sides of the annular flange, and the cam is held in position on the driving-wheel after adjustment. Vhen the rock-shaft is turned for lowering the upper receiving-roller, the shifting rod 9 moves with the shifting arm 9 until the upper receiving-roller engages with the pamphlet on the lower receiving-roller, when the further downward movement of the shifting arm 9'' produced by the positive action of the cam causes the spring g to be compressed, thereby permitting of a variation in the thickness of the pamphlets without affecting the operation of the machine. The driving-wheel turns at right angles to the rook-shaft and is mounted on a main driving-shaft I, which is journaled in bearings 2' t" on the standards B B and which is rotated once during each operation of the stapling mechanism by a chain belt i passing around sprocket-wheels i 2', secured, re spectively, to the main shaft of the sta pling-machine and the main shaft I of the feeding, folding, and stacking machine, and an idle sprocket c, mounted on the standard of the stapling-machine.

J represents a gage against which the pamphlets are fed by the operator and which has a movement into and out of the path of the pamphlets. This gage is arranged in rear of the receiving-rollers in the opening dflthrough which the lower roller projects and is mounted on an arm j of the guide-rod, so that when the latter is moved downwardly for engaging the upper receiving-roller with the pamphlet the gage will be withdrawn below the surface of the table and clear the path of the pamphlet, while upon raising the guide-rod and lifting the upper receiving-roller the gage is moved up into the path of the pamphlets. The upper receiving-roller and the gage so more up and down together and both parts move down and up for every stitch or staple in order to adapt the machine to operate on blanks which receive but one stitch or staple. Then the machine operates on blanks which receive two or more stitches or staples, as it usually does, the gage strikes the pamphlet every time it moves upward after the front edge of the pamphlet has moved past the gage. In order toprevent the gage from injuring the pamphlet, the gage is constructed with a yielding top portion. As shown in the drawings, the gage consists of a lower section y, which is capable of adjustment on the sup porting-arm lengthwise of the table by a clamping-boltfi, passing through a slot j? in said arm, and an upper vertically-yielding sectionj sliding in thelower section and held in a projected position by a spring 7' The upward movement of the yielding section on the lower section is limited by a cross-pin j", engaging in slots j in the lower section.

The mechanism whereby the speed of the feed-tapes is regulated is constructed as follows:

K K, Figs. 1, 4, 9, and 12, represent two transverse shafts which are journaled, respectively, on the front and rear standards B B, the front shaft K being arranged higher than the rear shaft K. These shafts are provided, respectively, with friction-disks 7t 713. Motion is transmitted from the front diskshaft K to the feedtapes by bevel gear-wheels k k secured, respectively, to this shaft and the shaft of the lower receiving-roller. The rear disk-shaft is driven from the driving- Wheel H by mechanism hereinafter explained and motion is transmitted from the rear diskshaft to the front disk-shaft by a hollow 1ongitudinal shaft k arranged obliquely and provided at its front and rear ends with friction-wheels k it, which engage against the friction-disks 79, respectively. These friction-wheels engage with the friction-disks on opposite sides of the disk-shafts, both wheels being shown in Fig. 1 as engaging against the sides of the disks which are turned toward each other, so that upon moving the hollow shaft carrying these wheels lengthwise one of the wheels is shifted toward the axis of its disk and the other away from the aXis, whereby the speed of the feed-tapes is correspondingly changed. This hollow shaft is journaled upon a supportingrod M, which is secured with its ends to sleeves 71: 7c", mounted loosely on the shafts of the front and rear friction-disks. The friction-wheels are pressed against the disks by springs 71: which surround the disk-shafts and bear against the sleeves k 70' and collars 7e secured to said shafts.

L represents alongitudinallyanovable shipper-rod whereby the hollow shaft is shifted for shifting the friction-wheels on the friction-disks. This rod is arranged lengthwise above the hollow shaft and is provided with a dependingshipper-arm l, in which the hollow shaft turns and which engages between collars or shoulders Z on the hollow shaft for shifting thelatter. The rear end of the shipper-rod slides in a guide Z mounted on the rear supporting-sleeve R The screw-threaded front end of the shipper-rod receives an atljusting screw-nut Z Fig. l, which turns in a guide Z on the front supporting-sleeve k but is held against lengthwise movement thereon by collars or shoulders Z arranged on the screw-nut on opposite sides of the guide, so that upon turning the nut the ship per-rod is moved lengthwise.

The mechanism whereby the feed-tapes are driven with a variable speed or alternately fast and slow is constructed as follows:

The rear disk-shaft K is arranged parallel with and in front of the main driving-shaft, but eccentrically or out of line with the latter, and these shafts are connected by a variable driving gear or coupling. (Shown most clearly in Figs. 6 and 7.) This gear consists of a single radial guideway or groove n, arranged on the front side of the web of the drivingwheel H, a slide n, reciprocating in said guide, and a crank n secured to the rear end of the rear disk-shaft and pivotally connected with said slide. This disk-shaft is arranged eccentrically with reference to the driving-wheel. The length of the crank is such that its wrist swings slightly beyond the center of the driving-wheel, as indicated by the dotted circle 12, in Fig. 6, and the length of the guideway is such that the crank makes a complete turn while its free end moves with the slide in saidguideway. It is not necessary for this purpose that the guideway should extend on both sides of the center of the driving-wheel, as the wrist of the crank always remains on the same side of said center; but the guideway preferably extends across the drivingwheel, as shown, for balancing the wheel and strengthening the same. The wrist of the crank can engage directly in the guideway by means of a pin or otherwise instead of by the slide, if desired. The crank-shaft makes a complete turn during each complete turn of the driving-shaft; but the movement of the driving-shaft is uniform, while that of the crank-shaft is alternately fast and slow. During the rotation of the driving-wheel H the slide moves radially in the guideway, and the crank connected therewith is turned successively from points lying at different distances from the center of the driving-wheel. When the slide is located beyond the center of the driving-wheel, as shown in Fig. 6, the slide is nearest the center of the driving-wheel, and the crank is turned with the slowest speed. As the slide travels toward the diametrically opposite position it moves toward the periphery of thedriving-wheel, whereby the rotary speed of the crank is increased until the diametrically opposite position is reached, where the slide is farthest from the center of the driving-wheel and the speed of the crank is greatest. From this point on the speed of the crank decreases again until the slide again reaches the point nearest the center of the driving-wheel. This variation in the speed of the crank is produced for each staple or stitch which is placed in the pamphlet, the mechanism being so timed that while the stapling mechanism is disengaged from the pamphlet the crank is sweeping along the peripheral portion of the driving-wheel and receives a fast motion, while when the stapling mechanism is operating upon the pamphlet or blank the crank is near the center of the driving-wheel and receives a slow motion. This causes the blanks to be moved quickly in the intervals between the operative periods of the stapling mechanism and to be held stationary by the stapling mechanism when the latter is inserting a staple, while the tapes move slowly without moving the blank. When the stapling mechanism releases the pamphlet, the latter is grasped by the slowlymoving tapes, and this movement gradually increases to its highest speed and then grad ually decreases again preparatory to placing the next staple in the pamphlet. By this variable speed the pamphlets are quickly shifted from one staple or stitch to the next, whereby the work is expedited, and the pamphlets are brought to a standstill to permit of properly applying the staples thereto. The intervals of time between the stapling operations are always the same; but the distance between the points at which the staples are applied to the pamphlets is governed by the speed of the feed-tapes. When the tapes move slowly, the pamphlets are moved but a short distance between two stapling operations, which brings the staples closely together. When the speed of the tapes is increased,the pamphlets are propelled a greater distance between two stapling operations and the distance between the staples is proportionately greater. The machine is therefore readily adjusted for applying the staples at different distances by adjusting the speed of the feed-tapes accordingly.

n Figs. 1, 5, and 13, represents a V-shaped presser or guide plate which is pivotally supported over the ridge of thetable in front of the stitching mechanism and which guides and holds the blanks down in passing to the stitching mechanism.

The stapled blanks or pamphlets are discharged from the saddle of the stapling mechanism in such a way that the halves of each blank or pamphlet on opposite sides of the line of staples or stitches are spread apart, in which condition they cannot be stacked or piled. The mechanism by which the stapled blanks or pamphlets are folded or closed preparatory to stacking them is most clearly shown in Figsl, 2,5, and 13 and is constructed as follows:

0 represents a spiral or twisted guide which is arranged with its receiving end adjacent to the delivery side of the stapling-machine and in rear of the path of the rear flap of the pamphlet and then passes in a spiral or curve downwardly and forwardly across the under side of the table or saddle and then upwardly and backwardly and terminates with its delivery end substantially in line with the inclined front side of the feed-table. This guide is supported by means of a bracket 0, secured to the standard B, and its delivery portion is separated from the delivery end of the front side of the feed-table by an intervening space or throat, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 5. After the pamphlet has passed the stapling mech anism its front flap is still supported by the inclined front side of the feed-table; but its rear flap is no longer supported, since the rear side of the table extends only to the stapling mechanism. As the pamphlet moves away from the latter its rear flap comes in contact with the receiving portion of the spiral guide and is gradually deflected by the guide forwardly-that is to say, toward the front side of the pamphlet. The diagram Fig. 16 illustrates the movement which is required to be effected in the rear flap of the pamphlet for closing the same. The frontflap O and the rear flap 0 are shown in full lines in the relative position which they have on the table and in which they reach the folding-guide. The rear flap is shown in dotted lines closed against the underside of the front flap, which is the relative position of the flaps when they leave the folding-guide. The dotted curved arrow indicates the direction of movement of the rear flap. As the pamphlet continues its forward movement beyond the feed-table the front flap leaves the front side of the feedtable and the rear flap is folded by the guide against the under side of the front flap, so that the pamphlet is now closed as it passes over the delivery end of the guide.

P P, Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 12, represent a pair of delivery-rollers which are arranged adjacent to the delivery end of the folding-guide and whereby the folded pamphlets are grasped after leaving the feed-tapes and are carried from the folding mechanism to the mechanism which stacks the pamphlets. The lower roller is arranged with its upper side flush, or nearly so, with the upper side of the folding-guide and is mounted on an inclined shaft 19, which is arranged transversely below the folding-guide in bearings on the standard B. The shaft is rotated by a belt p, passing around pulleys P 19 011 the driving-wheel and delivery-roller shaft 19, respectively, and aroundintermediate guide-rollers p mounted on the standard 13. The upper delivery roller P isdriven by contact with the lower delivery-roller or pamphlet engaging therewith and is movably supported by a rock-arm 19 which is pivoted on the upper longitudinal barb of the main frame, so that the upper delivery-roller can rise and fall andadjust itself to the thickness of the pamphlets. A guide 39 is secured to the standard B above the delivery portion of the folding-guide for preventing the lower portion of the front flaps from rising.

The mechanism by which the folded blanks or pamphlets are stacked ready for convenient removal is most clearly shown in Figs. 1, 3, 5, S, 11, 12, and 18 and is constructed as follows:

Q represents an endless delivery apron or platform upon which the folded blanks or pamphlets are discharged from the folding mechanism. This apron is arranged transversely with reference to the feed-table and inclines from its receiving end to its delivery end. It consists, preferably, of two chain belts q q, connected by transverse slats q, ar-

ranged closely together. The receiving end of this apron or endless platform is arranged in rear of and below the discharge end of the folding-guide O and upperguidep and passes, with its chain belts, around sprocket-wheels g thence rearwardly and downwardly and around sprocket-wheels g and thence upwardly to the place of beginning. The receiving sprocket-wheels g are mounted on a shaft 1 which is journaled in hearings on the front ends of two supporting-bars g and the delivery sprocket-wheels g are mounted on a shaft g", which is journaled in hearings on the rear ends of said bars. These bars are arranged lengthwise underneath the ends of the slats on the upper or carrying portion of the apron or platform and form a support for this portion of the platform. The folded pamphlets are delivered upon the platform edgewise with the open or nnstitched end down and in a rearwardlydnclined or leaning position, the pamphlets resting against each other side by side. The pile or stack of pamphlets is compelled to assume this position by a wedge-shaped abutment or block g rest ing loosely on the carrying portion and supporting the advancing or lower end of the stack. By inclining the platform in the direction in which it moves the pamphlets can be stacked closer, because the pamphlets do not have a tendency to slide forward. In or der to adapt the platform to different sizes of blanks, the receiving end of the platform is made vertically adjustable with reference to the delivery of the folding mechanism. For this purpose the rear portions of the supporting-bars are pivoted to the standard B bya sha t 1', passing through bearings 1"' r arranged, respectively, on said bars and standard, and the receiving end of the platform is supported by a vertical adjusting-screw r pivotally connected at its upper end by a yoke r with the front portions of the supporting-bars and engaging with its lower end in an adjusting screw-nut 1' mounted on a pedestal r.

As the pamphlets are delivered successively from the folding mechanism upon the platform the latter advances slowly so that each pamphlet laps over almost the entire preceding pamphlet. In order to advance the platform only one step at a time when a new pamphlet is delivered upon the same, the advancing movement of the platform is effected by a mechanism which is controlled by the movement of the pamphlets and which is constructed as follows:

88 represent two sprocket-wheels secured to the pivot or platform shaft 1" and engaging with the chain belts of the platform.

S representsa counter-shaft arranged above the main driving-shaft lengthwise of the platform and provided at its front end with a friction-roller s, which is adapted to engage with the peripheral face of the driving-wheel H, and at its rear end with a worm 5 which engages with a worm-wheel s on the platformshaft r. The counter-shaft is journaled in bearings s 5 arranged, respectively, at the front and rear ends of a rock arm or frame 8 which is pivoted at its rear end on the platform-shaft r. This arm is preferably provided with a gear-case .9 which incloses the worm and worm-wheel. The front end of the rock-arm s is held against lateral displacement by a vertical guide 3 secured to the standard B. Upon lowering the rock-arm the friction-roller is engaged with the drivingwheel and is rotated by the latter, thereby -propelling the platform through the means of the intermediate driving mechanism. Upon raising the rock-arm the friction-roller is disengaged from the driving-wheel and the movement of the platform ceases. The frictionroller isyieldingly held out of engagement with the driving-wheel by a spring 8 con necting the rock-arm s with the standard 13.

8 represents a vertical shifting rod whereby the counter-shaft is depressed for engaging the friction-roller with the driving-wheel. This shifting rod is automatically controlled from the upper delivery-roller P in such mannor that the upward movement which this roller receives by the passing pamphl'e'ts'depresses the shifting rod and causesthe necessary advancing movement of the stackingplatform.

T represents a trip-lever whereby the shifting rod 3 is depressed and which is pivoted on the standard B so as to swing in a vertical plane. The front arm tof this trip-lever rests loosely ona lug or shoulder 6, formed on the arm 19 which supports the upper deliveryroller P, and its rear arm t is provided with an opening through which the upper end of the shifting rod 3 passes.

t is a spring interposed between the under side of therear arm of the trip-lever and a shoulder or collar 6 on the shifting rod 3 t is an adjusting screw-nut applied to the upper screw-threaded end of the shifting rod and bearing against the upper side of the rear arm of the trip-lever. When a pamphlet passes between the rollers P P while being carried from the folding mechanism to the stacking-platform,the upper delivery-rolleris raised, owing to the thickness of the pamphlet. The front arm of the trip-leve r, which engages with the support of the upper delivery-roller, is raised, together with said roller, and its rear arm is depressed. This downward movement of the rear arm produces a downward pressure on the spring 15 and the latter in turn depresses the shifting rod, so that the friction-roller s bears against the driving-wheel and receives motion for propelling the platform. The contact between the friction-roller and the driving-wheel continues only so long as the pamphlet is passing the delivery-roller, and as soon as the pamphlet has cleared the roller the latter descends and the spring 3 raises the frictionroller out of engagement with the drivingwheel. By this means the advancing movement of the platform is dependent on the passage of pamphlets from the folding mechanform number by a counting or bunchiug mcchanism, which is construct-ed as follows:

U U, Figs. 5 and 8, represent the front and rear upright walls or plates of a chute into which the pamphlets are delivered from the.

folding mechanism and whereby the pamphlets are guided upon the platform. The front plate of the chute is bent outward at its receiving end, as shown at u, so that a pamphlet striking the front plate with its lower edge will be deflected laterally or toward the rear end of the stacking-platform. The front plate is provided along its lower edge with a bottom plate orsupport to, Figs. 5 and 18, which projects rearwardly over the platform and upon which the pamphlets drop with their lower ends. The front plate and the bottom of the chute are capable of a reciprocating movement lengthwise of the platform and are guided by slides a Figs. 3 and 5, arranged at the ends of the bottom plate and moving in guideways or grooves it on the supporting bars of the platform. The rear chute-plate U is arranged in rear of the path of the pamphlets as they issue from the folding mechanism and at such a height above the platform that the pamphlets can move rearwardly underneath the rear plate with the platform.

The rear chute-plate is connected at its upper end by a pivot n to the standard B, so that the plate can swing in a vertical plane lengthwise of the platform for guiding the pamphlets.

u Figs. 1 and 5, is an abutment or end plate which extends across the rear end of the chute and against which the pamphlets abut with their advancing ends and by which they are stopped. The abutment is adjustably connected with the rear chute-plate by a trough-shaped clip or clamp 1L connected with the abutment and engaged frictionally with the upper edge of the rear chute-plate.

The front and rear chute-plates are caused to move back and forth in unison by two connecting bars or rods 1L Figs. 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12, arranged at opposite ends of the chute. Each of these rods is pivoted with its front end to one of the slides of the front plate, and its rear portion is provided with a number of notches u one of which is engaged with a pin or projection a on the adjacent lower end of therear chute-plate. By shifting the pins of the rear plate in the notches of the connecting-rods the space between the front andrear plates may be adjusted to suit the width of the pamphlets. Every time a pamphlet is delivered from the folding mechanism to the platform the chute is advancedone space, together with the platform, but somewhat slower than the platform, whereby each pamphlet is'delivered upon the platform slightly in rear of the preceding pamphlet and forms only a small gap or break between the ad j acent pamphlets of the batch. When a predetermined number of pamphlets forming a batch have been delivered upon the platform, the chute is automatically returned to its place of beginning, whereby the first pamphlet of the next batch is directed upon the platform at a considerable distance behind the last pamphlet of the preceding batch, thereby forming a considerable gap, space, or break between the last and first pamphlets of adjacent batches, as shown at n in Fig. 5. These batches can be readily seen by the operator, and the latter is thereby enabled to remove the pamphlets from the platform in batches or bunches each containing a predetemined number without counting, the same.

V represents a spring whereby the chute is returned or moved in a direction opposite to that in which the upper side of the platform moves and which is connected at one end to the standard B and with its other end to an upwardly-projecting arm n on the rear chute-plate.

c is a rotary cam whereby the chute is advanced or moved in the same direction as the upper side of the platform and which is se timed to the rear end of a shaft v journaled in a bearing on top of the standard B. This cam is provided with two salient or eccentric portions "1 and two receding portions c.

o is a connecting rod or bar guided on the cam-shaft and adj ustably connected at its rear end with an upwardly-projecting arm n on the rear chute-plate, while its front end is provided with a pin if, having a knife-edge which engages with the front side of the cam.

' Upon turning the latter in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 8, the eccentric portion of the cam engaging with the pin of the connecting-rod pulls the same forward, thereby moving the chute backward, or in the direction in which the platform moves, during which movement the spring V is strained. When the pin of the connecting-rod reaches the f0llowing abrupt portion of the cam, the connecting-rod is quickly moved backwardly and the chute forwardly by the spring V. During each complete turn of the cam the chute is moved back and forth twice and forms two batches of pamphlets on the plat form.

W, Figs. 12, 14, and 15, representsa ratchetwheel, which is secured to the front end of the shaft which carries the cam t This ratchet-wheel is provided with the number of teeth which correspond with the number of pamphlets in the bunches or bundles. The wheel shown has fifty teeth and produces at each revolution two bundles each of twentyfive pamphlets.

w is a sliding rod which has a movement at right angles to the direction in which the pamphlets move from the folding mechanism to the stacking-platform, and which is guided in a bracket w, secured to the standard 13, adjacent to the delivery end of the foldingguide. This rod is provided with a pawl 20 engaging with the teeth of the ratchet-wheel, and upon raising this rod its pawl turns the ratchet-wheel and the cam connected therewith in the proper direction for advancing the chute. When the rod descends, its pawl takes'up a new tooth on the ratchet-wheel preparatory to turning the same during the next following upward movement of the rod. The ratchet-wheel is held against backward movement by a detent-pawl 10 attached to the bracket to. i i

X is a shifting lever or linger whereby the sliding rod to is raised and which projects with its lower free end across the path of the pamphlets at the delivery end of the foldingguide, as shown in Fig. 15. This finger is pivoted at its upper end to the lower end of the bracket to, so as to swing in the direction in which the pamphlets move in leaving the folding-guide. The shifting-finger is provided adjacent to its pivot with a cam 00', which engages with a roller 00 on the lower end of the sliding rod. Each pamphlet as it passes over the folding-guide engages with its'front end against the lower end of the shifting-finger and deflects the same in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15 and out of the path of the pamphlets. After the pamphlet has cleared the shifting-finger the latter returns to its former depending position. This return movement is assisted by a spring 00 securedto the bracket to and bearing against a lug 00 011 the finger above its pivot. This lug engages against the front side of the roller of the sliding rod and limits the return movement .of the finger. The downward movement of the slide-rod is effected by gravity, aided by a spring, if necessary.

Every time a pamphlet passes from the folding mechanism to the stacking-platform theratchet-wheel is turned the extent of one tooth and the chute which directs the pamphlets upon the platform advances one space with the latter. This advancing movement of the chute continues intermittently until twenty-five pamphlets have been fed from the folding mechanism to the platform. Af ter the twenty-fifth pamphlet has been fed from the folding mechanism to the platform the half-turn of the cam is completed by the next following pamphlet and one of the abrupt portions of the cam is presented to the pin of the chute-shifting rod. The chute is now moved quickly forward by the spring V, so that the first pamphlet of the next batch is delivered at a considerable distance from the last pamphlet of the preceding batch,

thereby forming a break in the stack and a visual division-mark between the batches. This operation is repeated whenever twentyfive pamphlets have been delivered upon the platform, whereby the pamphlets are stacked in batches of twenty-five pamphlets each. If a different number of pamphlets is required in each batch, a ratchet-wheel of the required size and number of teeth is substituted. By

this means of bunching the pamphlets a full number of pamphlets is insured in each bunch or batch, because the operation is dependent upon the delivery of the pamphlets to the platform, thereby avoiding batches lacking the'full number, which can be formed when the counting mechanism is operated positively by the machine and the operator fails to feed the proper number of pamphlets 'to the machine.

The different parts or groups of parts-which are embodiedin my improved machine are best combined together as shown and described; but it'is obvious that some of them may be used separately or in conjunction with other parts and that various modifications may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from my invention.

I claim as my invention 1. The combination \vitha wire stitching or stapling mechanism provided with a stitching-table and with an unobstructed path in and the blanks are fed forward by the frictional contact with the feed mechanism the instant the stitching mechanism releases the blanks, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination with a stitching-table and awire stitching or stapling mechanism, of a continuously-moving frictional feed mechanism which is arranged along said table and whereby the blank is presented to the stitch ing or stapling mechanism and permitted to be operated upon and held by the stitching or stapling mechanism while the feed mechanism continues its movement independent of the blank, and means whereby the speed of the feed mechanism can be changed for increasing or reducing the distance between the stitches, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination with a stitching-table and a wire stitching or stapling mechanism, of a continuously-moving frictional feed mechanism whereby the blanks are presented to the stitching or stapling mechanism, and a variable-speed gear whereby said feed mechanism is moved slowly while a staple or stitch is put into a blank and fast in the intervals between the stitches, substantially as set forth.

4. The combination with the stitching-ta ble, and the lower feed-belt, of an upper feedbelt having its receiving-roller mounted on the upper end of a shaft which is movable at its upper end toward and from the lower belt, and means whereby said shaft is driven near its lower end, substantially as set forth.

5. The combination with the stitching-table and the lower feed-belt, its receiving-roller and shaft, of an upper feed-belt its receiving roller mounted on the upper end of a shaft which is movable atits upper end toward and from the lower belt, and gears connecting said shafts near their lower ends, substan tially as set forth.

6. The combination with the stitching-table and the lower feed-belt, of an upper feedbelt, its receiving-roller mounted upon the upper end of. a shaft which is movable at its upper end toward and from the lower belt and driven near its lower end, a rock-arm for moving said shaft toward and from the lower belt, a rod connected with the upper end of said shaft, and a yielding connecting device whereby said rod is connected with said rockarm, substantially as set forth.

7. The combination with the stitching or stapling mechanism, the lower feed-belt and the upper feed-belt, of a gage having a yielding top or end, and mechanism whereby the receiving end of the upper feed-belt and the gage are moved up when the stitching or stapling mechanism is in its operative position and down when the stitching or stapling mechanism is in its inoperative position, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination with the stitching or stapling mechanism and the stitching-table having one of its sides extended in a straight line beyond the other side, of a folding-guide for closing the blanks arranged with its receiving end in rear of the short side of the table 'and turning toward and under the long side of the table, substantially as set forth.

9. The combination with the stitching or stapling mechanism and the stitching-table having a short rear side which extends to the receiving side of the stitching mechanism and a long front side which extends in a straight line beyond the discharge side of the stitching mechanism, of a curved folding-guide arranged with its receiving end adjacent to the discharge side of the stitching mechanism in line with the short rear side of the table and turning forwardly underneath the long front side of the table and extending lengthwise beyond the same, whereby the front flap of the blank is moved rearwardly at the same angle and the rear flap of the blank is closed against the front blank after leaving the table, substantially as setforth.

10. The combination with a traveling platform on which the blanks are stacked, of a movable feed-chute from which the blanks are delivered to the platform, and mechanism whereby said chute is slowly moved over the platform for delivering each blank slightly in rear of the next preceding blank, substantially as set forth.

11. The combination with a traveling platform on which the blanks are stacked, of a movable feed-chute from which the blanks are delivered to the platform, mechanism whereby said chute is slowly moved over the platform for delivering each blank slightly in rear of the next preceding blank, and an automatic return mechanism whereby the chute is returned to its starting-point, when a predetermined number of blanks have been delivered, thereby starting the next batch of blanks at a considerable distance from the last blank of the preceding batch, substantially as set forth.

12. The combination with a traveling stacking-platform, of a feed-chute composed of a front plate which is movably mounted on guides on the platform and a swinging rear plate pivoted at its upper end to a stationary support and connected at its lower end with the front plate, substantially as set forth.

13. The combination with a traveling stacking-platform, of a feed-chute movably mounted above the platform, a cam whereby said chute is moved over the platform, and mechanism by which said cam is moved and which is automatically controlled by the blanks passing to the chute and platform, substantially as set forth.

14. The combination with a traveling stacking-platform, of a feed-chute movably mounted above the platform, a cam whereby said chute is moved forward and allowed to be returned to its starting-point, a ratchet mechanism whereby said cam is rotated, and a finger which is moved by the blanks and which operates said ratchet mechanism, substantially as set forth.

15. The combination with the stackingplatform and its driving-shaft provided with a gear-wheel, of an actuating-shaft geared with said wheel at one end and carrying at its opposite movable end a friction-pulley, a friction driving-wheel toward and from which said friction-pulley can be moved, a shiftingrod whereby said shaft and pulley are moved toward and from said driving-wheel, and a roller connected with said shifting-rod adapted to be shifted by each blank in passing to the platform, thereby throwing the frictionpulley into gear with the friction-wheel and moving the platform, substantially as set forth.

16. The combination with a stitching or sta pling mechanism and table, of a folding guide whereby the stapled blanks are closed, a stacking platform, and a movable chute whereby the blanks are delivered to the platform, substantially as set forth.

1?. The combination with a stitching or stapling mechanism, and table, of a foldingguide whereby the stapled blanks are closed, a stacking-platform, a movable chute whereby the blanks are delivered to the platform, and automatic return mechanism whereby the chute is returned to its starting-point when a predetermined number of blanks have been delivered, substantially as set forth.

Witness my hand this 5th day of May, 1898.

FREDERICK HART,

Witnesses:

E. M, MEEKS, J. W. Rusr. 

